CAIRO and METROPOLIS, Ill. — Community members across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties recently came together to learn, create, and grow at the Container Gardening Workshops hosted by the University of Illinois Extension at local food donation gardens in Cairo and Metropolis.
The workshops were led by Erin Garrett, Extension Educator, and Anne Townsend, Extension Program Coordinator, both serving Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties. Together, they guided participants through hands-on learning experiences focused on gardening and community engagement.
The workshops were held at The Pilot Garden in Cairo and the Plant a Row, Watch COPE Grow Food Donation Garden in Metropolis, two locations that provide fresh produce to local communities while also serving as spaces for education and connection.
During the workshops, participants explored a variety of container gardening methods, including raised beds, traditional pots, and vertical gardening systems. The program focused on showing how container gardening can be a practical option for individuals with limited space or those new to gardening.
Participants also had the opportunity to create their own container gardens using flowers, herbs, or strawberries. With guidance from Extension staff, attendees built and planted their own containers to take home, allowing them to continue growing beyond the workshop.
These events highlighted the role of local donation gardens as more than just food production spaces. They serve as community gathering places where individuals can learn new skills, connect with others, and contribute to efforts that support local food access.
Those interested in learning more or getting involved in future programs are encouraged to follow both The Pilot Garden: Cairo’s Food Donation Garden and Plant a Row, Watch COPE Grow - Food Donation Garden on Facebook for updates on upcoming workshops, volunteer opportunities, and events.
For additional information, community members can contact Erin Garrett at emedvecz@illinois.edu or Anne Townsend at cupquake@illinois.edu.
Through programs like these, Illinois Extension continues to support communities in growing their knowledge, their food, and their connections, one plant at a time.
WRITER: Jordi Oliver, University of Illinois Extension Staff
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.